Snow in the Northeast and Flooding Rain in California Complicate Holiday Travel Ahead of Christmas

Storms Collide With Peak Holiday Travel

Severe weather is colliding with one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Across the United States, winter weather in the Northeast and relentless rain along the West Coast are disrupting flights, slowing road travel, and testing patience as millions move ahead of Christmas.

Storm systems have already caused more than 5,000 flight delays nationwide. Airports are crowded. Highways are slick. The timing could not be worse.

Wintry Mix Slows the Northeast

Winter weather alerts are in effect for about 11 million people across the interior Northeast and New England. Snow was falling early Tuesday in New Jersey, while a wintry mix of cold rain and snow spread into the New York, NY, area.

Snowy conditions were expected across the entire Northeast through Tuesday, including New England, before tapering off by evening. While snowfall totals are not expected to be extreme, the impact on travel is significant.

Major transportation hubs in Washington, WA, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, and New York City are all seeing delays both on the ground and in the air.

The heaviest snow totals, between 4 and 8 inches, are forecast for Maine and the mountains of New England. Areas closer to Interstate 95 can expect a dusting to up to 2 inches.

By Christmas Eve, the snow is expected to exit the region, setting up a dry and sunny Christmas Day across much of the Northeast.

Flooding Rain Batters the West Coast

While the Northeast deals with snow, the West Coast continues to battle water. Flooding has ravaged parts of California, with more heavy rain on the way.

Over the past 72 hours, up to 20 inches of rain has fallen in parts of the northern Sierra Nevada. Creeks overflowed. Hillsides gave way. Saturated ground could take no more.

Beginning Tuesday, a strong atmospheric river shifted south toward Southern California. Flood watches now cover nearly the entire state of California, along with portions of southern Nevada and western Arizona. In total, about 41 million people are under flood alerts.

Rainfall rates could reach up to 1.5 inches per hour, raising the risk of urban flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides, especially in wildfire burn scar areas from the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Another major storm is expected to impact Central and Southern California on Wednesday, bringing gusty winds between 35 and 55 miles per hour. Airport delays are expected in San Francisco, CA.

Deadly Fog Highlights Travel Risks

Weather hazards were not limited to rain and snow. Dense fog in Galveston, TX, contributed to a plane crash Monday that killed at least five people. Visibility dropped to as little as a quarter-mile at times, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which said the cause remains under investigation.

The tragedy underscored how rapidly conditions can deteriorate during winter travel.

Airports Brace for Record Passenger Volume

Despite the storms, travel demand remains high. The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for what could be the busiest holiday travel season ever, with more than 44 million people expected to pass through security checkpoints during the holiday week.

Sunday is projected to be the busiest day for air travel.

American Airlines alone plans to operate about 6,600 flights carrying more than 675,000 customers on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the airline expects nearly 700,000 passengers across 6,400 flights.

At Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL, travelers described packed terminals and long lines.

“It is chaotic because it is Christmas break," said Eli Hibler of Muskego, WI. “It is a ton of fun. It is just really crowded, though."

Travelers Share Advice as Delays Mount

Others offered practical tips to navigate the busy week.

“I book an Uber ahead of time and try to pack the night before," said Amy Beischeo, a Chicago resident traveling to Charleston, SC.

Andrew Garcia of Gurnee, IL, heading to Laredo, TX, advised preparation.
“Have everything ready. Be prepared. Do not be waiting until the last minute for everything."

Lea Krivinskas and Spencer Shepard, traveling to Cancún, Mexico, emphasized patience.
“Definitely give yourselves a little extra time and a little extra patience."

What Comes Next After Christmas

The weather pattern remains active. Snow is expected to return to the Northeast on Friday after Christmas, while heavy rain targets the Great Lakes region. Flood threats persist in the West as additional rounds of rain move inland.

For drivers, AAA advises hitting the road early, ideally before 10 a.m., and avoiding peak congestion between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Weather, once again, will play a decisive role in who arrives on time and who waits it out.